TN: 10 Year Old Tawny Port by Quarles Harris

Bottled in 2011. I’ve not had this in many years and since it was staring me in the face at my local Trader Joe’s market for the ridiculously low price of $15 I had to grab one and check it out again. Soft and smooth initially quickly gives way to a nice dose of acidity. I really enjoy the caramel, maple bar, cloves, and some spices lingering under the surface. It seamlessly transitions from the palate to the finish, full of the same qualities I enjoyed on the palate. I gotta admit this has come a long way since the last bottle I had of this almost 6 years ago. A great QPR buy!
88 Points

Hey Andy, thanks for posting this note. While I personally tend to prefer 20 year old Tawnies myself, I also recognize that a good 10 year old Tawny offers outstanding QPR. However, that was at the local LCBO price of $20-40 depending on the producer’s name. A 10 year old Tawny at a mere $15 is unbelievably ridiculous!

I’m headed for TJ’s tomorrow.

Hi Andy - I appreciate this note. I’ve too been eyeing the value-priced Quarles Harris at my TJ’s including a 2005 LBV for under $15 and 1994 Vintage Port for $40. I haven’t taken the plunge yet, maybe now I will.

Dang! $15!?! Well-bought, Andy. Thanks for posting about this. I’ll keep my eyes peeled for some out here (but won’t expect that sweet pricing).

That’s pretty much the normal everyday pricing at my local TJ’s.

The 1994 is a very good value for a well stored (they are ex-cellars I believe) VP from that year.

I’ve not had the 2005 LBV, but my next trip to TJ’s I’ll probably pick one up and give it a shot.

I’d have to find it at about 10 pounds for equivalent pricing out here, and I doubt I’d get that lucky. I hope I’m wrong on that!

$16.99 in Oregon. Still sounds like a steal.

Andy - I like the Taylors 10 yr Tawny. How des the QH compare?

I’m not a big fan of the Taylor 10 year and for $10 or more less I’d rather get the Quarles Harris 10 year.

England has some crazy cheap prices on ports from time to time in the markets. But they don’t drink much tawny ports so It may be hard to find there.

I stopped by TJ’s in Livermore tonight and grabbed the 2005 LBV for $12.99, report later…

They also had the 10 year tawny for $14.99 and the 1994 Vintage for $39.99.

Those are ridiculously good prices. I’m not a fan of Taylor’s 10 Year old either, tastes too much like raw wood to me but they redeem themselves with an awesome 20 year old Tawny.